On Tuesday afternoon, a day off for the Phoenix Suns, James Jones made himself available to the media following Monday’s announcement of his promotion to president of basketball operations, while also retaining his responsibility for general director.
To start his time, Jones talked about the new responsibilities that could come with the new heavier title:
“Not a lot of changes, but my focus is not only on the Suns but also on the Mercurys, my efforts to continue to strengthen both teams will continue. It’s something I’ve done since I’ve been here, but more in a formal role. It just gives me the mental freedom to dedicate more time to the macro view of the franchise while still being a steward of the micro cycle of this team. So it’s an honor, honestly, but for me it’s just another day at the office”
I don’t think I knew that the two teams of the NBA and WNBA were so closely tied to the point that Jones was the primary decision maker for both. He later added that he does not foresee any upcoming personnel changes, such as another general manager for example.
Jones opened up about Chris Paul and the status of his heel injury. Jones – with a smile – insisted Paul is “close” and “looks good” but explains the team are taking a longer-term approach. He explained that the team is waiting for injured players to be 100% ready to play “without restrictions” before they can be there.
He also made sure to reassure the media that “it’s just a pain in the heel…I’ve always tried to be honest and direct.” If there was anything more, we’d tell you, but it’s just a sore heel.
Jones spoke about the situation at the property, saying working with Acting Governor Sam Garvin has gone well and that he’s “up to date” with the sale process as it’s unfolding; added that there was a sense of excitement but they were more focused on trying to win games.
There are a few more questions we knew we would have, and one is the Jae Crowder situation, which is murkier than ever. Jones explains:
“I just haven’t been able to get a deal done. It’s the NBA… there’s no window (yet) where they say, ‘Hey, all deals are done here…’ Other than that, it’s just a matter of finding the right solution, and we just haven’t been able to find it yet.”
Jones gave a strong vote of confidence to players, coaches and staff who are in the building and committed to the organization, and he points to them as the source of his patience in trying to find the right fit for a Crowder trade.
He later added that he did not believe Crowder’s value depreciated over the time he was missing and that he did not believe this was a unique situation. “These conversations are happening behind the scenes. He just doesn’t play. »
On Cam Johnson’s failed extension talks and his thoughts heading to another restricted free agency, Jones said:
“I didn’t even think about it. We discussed our free agency situation with Cam, we didn’t make a deal and we agreed that he is someone we love and appreciate. So there will be just another conversation to come.
“For us right now, it’s getting him back in shape, so he can get back in shape and play like he was playing before he got injured.”
He talked about the importance of guys like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.
With Booker, Jones said Booker had gone from a “really talented young player dying to win” to “a key to a long winning streak”. Jones says Booker is “rightfully in the MVP conversation and without him we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
On Ayton, Jones talked about how satisfying it is to watch him grow and mature and how his “mastery of the system” has helped newcomers like Jock Landale.
During his availability, Jones explained that he “didn’t come here with a clue what he was going to become” starting out as a member of Ryan McDonough’s front office.
He downplayed his new title as president with “The NBA title is the only title that matters.”
He called the “special” team earlier. Jones is 100% on the Suns, and I’m 100% on the direction he’s led the franchise.